Chesterfield Hero Visits Capitol Hill to Advocate for Robust Lung Cancer Research Funding

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Congressman Tim Walberg, LUNG FORCE Hero Cheryl Hauler, and American Lung Association in Michigan Advocacy Director Ken Fletcher

DETROIT MI (03/26/2018) (readMedia)-- Chesterfield area resident and lung cancer caregiver Cheryl Hauler traveled to Washington, D.C., March 21 to meet with members of the U.S. Congress to demand action.

Through the American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE initiative, Hauler stood alongside others personally affected by lung cancer to advocate for $38.1 billion in Fiscal Year 2019 in funding for the National Institutes of Health for better treatments and early detection for lung cancer, and to ask Congress to act to protect quality and affordable healthcare for people with pre-existing conditions, including lung cancer.

During Advocacy Day, Hauler met with U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (7th District) and aides of Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters as well as U.S. Congressman Paul Mitchell (10th District) to share her personal experience with lung cancer and explain why Congress must act to pass bipartisan legislation to stabilize healthcare marketplaces and tell the Trump Administration to stop a proposed rule that will hurt people with pre-existing conditions.

"It is difficult having a parent diagnosed with lung cancer. Having the other parent also diagnosed with lung cancer is indescribably overwhelming. I was 24 years old when my dad lost his battle. It is fortunate and unfortunate that this gave me an awareness that enabled my mom to be an 18 year survivor. Had she followed doctor's advice, she may not be here today. Unfortunately due to having prior experience, I knew what paths she needed to take. Early detection and excellent care saved her life. I will continue to fight so that more people are successful in their fight," said Hauler.

There will be are over 8,780 people in Michigan diagnosed with lung cancer and 5,860 will succumb to the disease in 2018. The LUNG FORCE "State of Lung Cancer" shows how the toll of lung cancer varies state by state, and Michigan ranks 33rd out of 50 states and the District of Columbia with a lung cancer incidence of 68 per 100,000. It's important to Hauler to share her story with lawmakers and others so that more can be done to help lung cancer patients and their caregivers throughout the United States and in Michigan.

"I was proud to participate in the American Lung Association LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day. Participating alongside survivors, people presently in treatment, and with fellow caretakers was a powerful reminder that there is hope. We need continued research to find new lifesaving treatments that can save lives," Hauler said. "I hope Congress continues to pay attention and will increase federal funding for critical research at the National Institutes of Health as well as ensure people have quality, affordable healthcare and aren't denied care for having a pre-existing condition. All health insurance must be required to include patient protections, including preventative services like lung cancer screening."

Hauler encourages others in Michigan to advocate for lung cancer research and healthcare coverage for people with lung cancer by contacting their members of Congress, and learning more about the state of lung cancer in Michigan at Lung.org/solc.

To learn more about Cheryl Hauler's story and the LUNG FORCE initiative, visit LUNGFORCE.org and read the story of Cheryl H.